Green Bay Area

Wisconsin - an ancient native word meaning 'land of giant barns with many silos.' Or maybe 'land of bone-jarring roads.' No? Well, both are true. We are currently in Green Bay and have been having fun visiting more of Ron's friends and relatives.

This is Jim, Ron's good friend from his youth, and his wife Helen. We met them for lunch and ended up spending the whole day. They took us out on their boat. I love boats.


Ron looks like he's enjoying the ride too.


Well, I don't know about congested, but there were some really low bridges. Duck!


Jim and Helen go on safaris in Africa. Their house is full of exotic animals. This is a kudu (with the beautiful horns) and an impala.

Now, I know what some of you are thinking and I just want to present the big picture here. Obviously these hunters bring in big bucks to a struggling country like Zimbabwe. Besides the food and lodging, which provide employment, they also hunt with a whole team of natives. And when they shoot a trophy animal, they pay the local chief ($1000 was mentioned) and donate the meat which helps the locals on a basic level. It seems to me that the pros outweigh the cons in this situation.

This guy did startle me draped over the back of the sofa.


Ron and I also went to the National Railroad Museum. They had lots of engines and related stuff. I could tell you about these three, but I won't.


I just thought this model was clever. Since there was no sign on it, I don't know if it was ever a reality or just an idea. Reminds me of putting containerized freight on a train.

And then my camera battery went so I had to buy postcards of their top attractions.

This British Rail #60008 was built in 1937 and capable of 100 mph speed.

After WWII, the British named it to honor the Supreme Commander of Allied Forces, General Eisenhower. Although this engine never pulled them, two cars from Eisenhower's command train are also on display. Fascinating to imagine him sitting in the tiny lounge planning D-day.

They also had one of the two ten-car Aerotrains ever built.

Built in 1954, General Motor's Aerotrain was an attempt to lure travelers back to passenger trains. Although capable of 100 mph, the air-ride suspension caused an incredibly rough ride at high speeds. They were also in competition with the American people's love of the freedom of the automobile and the emerging interstate road system. I guess it's no surprise that some of those same interstates need some major work 50 years later.